Google-backed film is Oscar contender

On Sunday, the Internet company will find out if a film that its philanthropic arm conceived of and bankrolled has won an Academy Award for best short documentary. The Final Inch, a 38-minute history about the battle to eradicate polio, was nominated for an Oscar back in November.

Google.org hired Vermillion Films and director Irene Taylor Brodsky “to tell the story of the public health heroes on the front lines of polio vaccination and eradication,” in Google’s words.

The documentary tracks the efforts to vaccinate children in India and Afghanistan, where polio is still a danger. The disease has been eliminated in developed countries.

The award for short documentary will be presented during the main Academy Award ceremony, alongside the Hollywood mainstays of best picture, actor and director.

Several Googlers plan to attend, including Larry Brilliant, executive director of Google.org, and Greg Miller, senior adviser and chief of investments. They plan to wear tuxedos rather than going Silicon Valley casual, no doubt to avoid the stinging fashion critics on Inside Edition the next day.